Astronomy for beginners
The Best Beginner Telescopes of 2026 Compared
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Three models keep showing up at the top for beginners. We compared them by the criteria that really matter in everyday use. The result helps you find the right instrument quickly.
The comparison at a glance
| Model | Aperture | Price from | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dobsonian 150/1200 | 150 mm | 219 euros | All-rounder |
| Refractor 70/700 | 70 mm | 119 euros | Travel and budget |
| Newtonian 130/650 | 130 mm | 189 euros | Middle ground |
The table shows the essentials at a glance. Aperture decides how much you see. Price decides what fits your budget.
What we look at in the comparison
We rate four things: aperture, mount stability, handling and value for money. These points decide in everyday use whether an instrument brings joy.
Technical details like coatings matter little to beginners. Far more important is that the telescope is quick to set up and easy to operate.
Aperture decides the image
Aperture is the most important value in this comparison. At 150 millimeters, the Dobsonian gathers far more light than the small refractor. Galaxies and faint objects benefit most from this.
The refractor trails at 70 millimeters but scores with sharpness on the Moon and planets. The Newtonian sits in between at 130 millimeters.
Mount and handling in everyday use
A good mount matters as much as the optics. The Dobsonian base is tip-stable and intuitive. You simply push the telescope toward what you want to see.
The refractor and Newtonian stand on a tripod. That is more portable but more prone to wobble at higher magnifications.
Why the Dobsonian comes out ahead
The Dobsonian 150/1200 gathers the most light and still costs little. Its simple design makes getting started easy. That is why it is our clear winner for most beginners.
If you want to spend less or travel a lot, the refractor is a good choice. The Newtonian sits in between and fits if you do not want to commit yet.
Which model suits whom
If you have little space or travel a lot, the refractor is the right choice. It fits in any bag and is ready in seconds.
If you want the most detail for your money, take the Dobsonian. If you are undecided, the Newtonian offers the most versatile compromise.
How to decide
First think about what you want to observe and how much space you have. For background, see our beginner guide to buying a telescope.
If you want to understand the night sky better, the knowledge section about the cosmos is worth a look.
| Product | Best for | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dobsonian 150/1200 BeginnerOur pick | Best all-rounder | from 219 EUR | View |
| Refractor 70/700 Travel | Small budget and travel | from 119 EUR | View |
| Newtonian 130/650 on Mount | Versatile middle ground | from 189 EUR | View |
Dobsonian 150/1200 Beginner
Best for: Best all-rounder
- Lots of aperture for the money
- Very easy to use
- Needs some space
Refractor 70/700 Travel
Best for: Small budget and travel
- Very light
- Low maintenance
- Little light for deep-sky
Newtonian 130/650 on Mount
Best for: Versatile middle ground
- Good compromise
- Solid mount
- Needs collimation
Frequently asked questions
Which beginner telescope is the best in 2026?
In the comparison, the Dobsonian 150/1200 wins as the best all-rounder. It offers the most aperture per euro and is the easiest to use, starting at around 219 euros.
Which telescope is the cheapest?
The Refractor 70/700 is the cheapest entry in the comparison at around 119 euros. It is very light and low maintenance, but gathers less light than the larger models.
Dobsonian or refractor for beginners?
The Dobsonian offers more aperture and shows faint objects better, but needs some space. The refractor is lighter and more mobile, but is best suited to the Moon and planets.
Which model is best for the Moon and planets?
For lots of detail on the Moon and planets, the Dobsonian 150/1200 is the best choice because its large aperture gathers the most light. The compact refractor also delivers high-contrast images here.
How important is the mount in the comparison?
The mount is as important as the optics. The tip-stable Dobsonian base is intuitive, while the refractor and Newtonian sit on a tripod that wobbles more easily at high magnification.
Which telescope fits a small budget?
For a small budget the Refractor 70/700 is the right choice. It is the cheapest entry, very light and ready in seconds, ideal for spontaneous viewing and travel.
Update note (as of: 06/01/2026)
Reviewed prices and rating for 2026.
- — First publication of the 2026 telescope comparison.
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